14 Ways to Improve Your Business Inventory Management Process

Did you know poor organizational skills can decrease business productivity and cause lost sales?

Organizing your business begins with inventory management. If you would like some inventory management options, keep reading.

In this guide, you’ll learn about helpful business inventory tips. You will know when to shuffle things around and order new items.

Check out our tips below.

1. Use Real-Time Data

Today, you don’t have to use Excel, either. But instead, look into the professional inventory management software now available. You can get inventory management small business software.

You can keep up with business demands and use a centralized database. Tracking systems let you follow products from when they leave a supplier to the customer.

2. Your Items Won’t Lose Value

Using inventory management software will ensure your inventory doesn’t gather dust. If something doesn’t sell, it will take up precious space. Over time, the list can lose value.

Customers might get interested in this item. Move products around and see if the placement is the problem. You could also offer discounts or coupons to help lower the price.

3. What Do You Have Presently?

Break down your checklist into particular categories. You don’t need to simply remain aware of what you have in your inventory. You need to break it down into different parts so it’s easier to track the items.

4. Check Your Inventory Daily

Another task to complete is checking your inventory at least once daily. Looking at your list will ensure you don’t miss out on anything. You might lose money if you don’t realize a particular item is getting low.

5. What Inventory Performs the Best?

Most companies will keep an inventory of all products, no matter if it’s a high or low-selling item. It’s helpful to figure out what performs the best. You should also learn what thing to focus on and sell it.

6. How Do You Maintain Inventory Levels?

Maintain reliable data on your inventory levels throughout the year. You should understand what levels will shift in the next few months. Figure out the right frequency to reorder or produce the inventory.

You will find it easier to control inventory levels.

7. Track Worn Down Inventory

You should look at keeping tabs on your inventory. Keep track of inventory, and notice any distressed inventory. Sometimes, you will end up with too much stock due to the product not selling fast.

You don’t want to end up with worn-down inventory. Keep track of the length of time you have had specific stock. This way, you can move it out when it hits a particular stage, and you cannot sell it.

8. Inventory Control and Sales Planning

A business should have inventory management software connected with its sales and operations planning. Integrate the two together so you have a better birds’ eye view of your business operations.

You will have an easier time with inventory control.

9. The Market Shouldn’t Sway You Too Much

Most companies follow specific trends. But make the mistake of buying too much new inventory. This usually won’t pay off because you have too much stock.

You’ll have items you can’t eliminate, which isn’t a good business choice.

10. How Do Your Suppliers Perform?

Unreliable or disorganized suppliers will end up causing significant problems for your business. You might have an organized inventory system but a tardy supplier.

Look at assessing your suppliers every few months. Are the suppliers habitually late, or do they come up short on orders? You should communicate with the supplier and find out the problem.

You might need to switch to a new supplier. This way, you can deal with uncertain stock problems.

11. What Items Are Super Profitable?

Usually, 80 percent of the profit will come from a smaller chunk of your stock. Assess your inventory, determine where your sales come from and prioritize these items.

Understand the sales lifecycle of your high-priority items. How many do you sell every month? You should ensure you’re managing your high-ticket items to maintain sales.

12. Create a Consistent Inventory Stocking Process

Next, you will want to guarantee everyone on your team understands the inventory processing process. What is your standard process? Does every worker follow the inventory process?

You don’t want minor inconsistencies cropping up in the process and messing things up. Make sure new workers get trained with seasoned inventory managers.

Minor discrepancies will cause significant issues down the road. Make sure your team has a consistent inventory tracking process.

13. Begin Tracking Sales

Tracking sales will help you understand what’s performing well. Daily, make sure you have a clear understanding of how many items you sell. Try to update your inventory list daily, as well.

You should also analyze the data. When do certain items seem to sell? Is there a particular day of the week or time of the month? What items sell together?

Understanding these nuances will help you track your inventory and when to restock.

14. Handle Restocking Yourself

As a business owner, it’s important to handle stock orders. You will have a better handle on what’s selling, what isn’t, and what you should re-order.

Don’t leave this task to your employees or supervisor.

Consider Using Business Inventory Management Software

You should use business inventory management software to help organize your business inventory. You will better understand what’s coming in and leaving your business.

Make sure you check stock daily and plan for old and worn-out items.

Need more business organizational tips? Browse the blog today.